Sustainability

30 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Since Valderrama in 1997, every European Ryder Cup has actively sought to reduce our negative environmental and climate impacts, while driving up positive outcomes for nature and communities.

Over the years various editions have set new standards – and expectations:

• Valderrama 1997 pioneered the sustainable sport events movement in a project with the European Commission and WWF International
• Consecutive matches at The Belfy showcased nature protection and restoration
• The K-Club’s 2006 round table defined a framework of best practices, key metrics and a delivery methodology for sustainable golf tournaments
• Celtic Manor’s procurement code was a driver for the Taste of Wales, local supply chains and innovation in recycling and reusing waste materials
• In 2014 at Gleneagles that materials drive realised the goal of zero waste to landfill – a first for Ryder Cup, along with a new sustainable golf legacy programme delivered with Scottish Government and Scottish Golf
• Le Golf National in 2018 was structured around the French Eco-Durable 15 point plan, as well as the national Golf and Biodiversity program involving the Natural History Museum
• Most recently, Rome 2023 set new benchmarks with:
  • 90% of spectators travelling by train-and-ride or bus-and-ride, cutting car journeys by an estimated 2 million km
  • 300,000 fewer single-use plastic bottles, via refill stations and a bring-your-own-bottle campaign
  • 17,000 kWh generated by 800m² of on-site solar during the build
  • 90% minimum target for waste diverted from landfill
  • 117 fully electric BMW courtesy vehicles on site
  • 100% of unavoidable emissions offset through Gold Standard Verified Emissions Reductions

In 2027, that momentum arrives in County Limerick, at a venue, and in a country already leading the way.

BEYOND ONE EVENT – PART OF A BIGGER COMMITMENT

The Green Drive is the flagship of the DP World Tour / European Tour Group's own sustainability strategy, Drive On (2026–2030), built around four pillars — Nature, Resources, Climate and Communities. In 2022 the Tour became the first professional golf tour to sign the UN Race to Zero pledge, targeting a 50% cut in direct emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2040. We are also aiming to become a leading signatory of the European Union Green Sport Manifesto ahead of the event.

And we are taking that drive into 2027 with a dedicated Ryder Cup Sustainability Action Plan.

DELIVERING ON IRELAND’S PRIORITIES

Hosting the Ryder Cup in Ireland means the Green Drive's ambitions sit directly alongside the Ireland’s own targets — giving the event a chance to demonstrate, and help deliver, national priorities as well as its own. In this we are closely aligned with the work of Golf Ireland.

• Climate — Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2025 commits to a legally binding 51% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (against 2018 levels) and climate neutrality by 2050. The Green Drive's own emissions-reduction and Gold Standard offsetting programme is designed to support that trajectory.

• Biodiversity — Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (2023–2030) commits the State to urgent conservation and restoration action, in line with Ireland's commitment to the EU and global goal of protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. Adare Manor's tree planting, wetlands and pollinator habitats contribute directly to that ambition.

• Circular economy — the Government's Circular Economy Strategy targets a near five-fold increase in Ireland's circular material use rate, to 12% by 2030, and reduced reliance on virgin raw materials. The Green Drive's own waste diversion, local procurement and reuse commitments echo the same shift.

• Healthy, sustainable communities — under Healthy Ireland and the National Planning Framework, the State is investing in healthier, more active, better-connected communities. The Green Drive supports the same goals through accessible spectator transport, outdoor recreation, and local nature restoration.

THINKING GLOBALLY

The Ryder Cup's environmental ambitions aren't just aligned with Ireland's national goals — they're part of delivering them. And beyond that we are working to align our impact priorities with those of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – most directly:

3 – Good Health and Wellbeing

11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

13 – Climate Action

15 – Life on Land

17 – Partnerships for the Goals

PLAYING YOUR PART – GREEN DRIVE LEGACIES

While organisers and suppliers are cutting the event's footprint, fans are also being invited to support three lasting legacies for nature, climate and golf.

• Ryder Cup Climate Projects — Gold Standard accredited projects that offset the event's carbon and support climate-vulnerable communities

• Sustainable Golf — Growing golf’s positive impact worldwide by supporting non-profit work to engage, support and promote sustainability across the sport

• Irish Nature Restoration — habitat creation and wildlife conservation on Irish golf courses, with Golf Ireland and 1m Trees

Watch out for more ticket holder information – on how you can get involved and some of the unique prizes that will be on offer to those that take part!